Skin Barriers 101: How Cleansers Can Support or Disrupt Skin Health

Your skin barrier plays a vital role in maintaining overall skin health, particularly for those with very dry skin. This protective layer keeps moisture in and harmful irritants out, ensuring your skin stays hydrated, smooth, and resilient. However, the face cleanser you choose can significantly impact the health of your skin barrier. In this article, we will help you understand your skin barrier, how face cleansers can support or disrupt it, and how to choose the best products to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

What is the Skin Barrier?

The skin barrier, also known as the stratum corneum, is the outermost layer of the epidermis. It’s composed of skin cells and lipids (fats) that form a protective shield. This barrier functions as a frontline defence against environmental pollutants, bacteria, and moisture loss. When the skin barrier is healthy, it keeps your skin hydrated, smooth, and free from irritants. However, when it’s compromised, you might experience dryness, irritation, and increased sensitivity.

How Face Cleansers Impact the Skin Barrier

Supportive Cleansers:

Face cleansers designed to support the skin barrier usually contain gentle, hydrating ingredients that cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils. These cleansers often include ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and colloidal oatmeal, which work together to maintain and strengthen the skin barrier.

• Ceramides: These are lipids naturally found in the skin that help form the skin barrier and retain moisture. Cleansers with ceramides help to replenish these essential components, supporting barrier function.
• Squalane: A lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that mimics the skin’s natural sebum. Squalane helps to restore moisture and reinforce the skin barrier, preventing water loss and protecting against environmental damage.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Known for its powerful hydrating properties, hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture, keeping the skin plump and hydrated.
• Colloidal Oatmeal: This ingredient is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to calm irritated skin and provides a protective layer that enhances the skin barrier.

Disruptive Cleansers:

On the flip side, some face cleansers can disrupt the skin barrier, particularly those that contain harsh ingredients like soaps, sulphates (SLS), and alcohol. These components can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and a weakened skin barrier.

• Soaps and Sulphates: These ingredients are great at removing dirt and oil but can be too harsh for the skin barrier, especially for those with sensitive skin types. They often strip away the essential lipids and proteins that protect your skin.
• Alcohol: While alcohol can be beneficial in certain formulations, it can be drying and irritating when used in high concentrations in face cleansers.

Choosing the Right Cleanser for Dry Skin

For individuals with very dry skin, choosing the right face cleanser is crucial. Here are some best practices for selecting a cleanser that supports your skin barrier:

• Look for Hydrating Ingredients: Ensure your cleanser includes ingredients that provide intense hydration. 

• Gentle Formulation: Choose cleansers that are free from harsh soaps and sulphates. A mild cleansing action ensures that the cleanser removes impurities without stripping the skin of its essential oils.

• Barrier Repair and Protection: Opt for cleansers that offer barrier repair benefits. Ingredients like dimethicone and ceramides not only cleanse but also help strengthen and restore the skin’s protective barrier. This dual action is essential for maintaining healthy skin in the long term.

• Soothing Properties: For skin prone to irritation, cleansers with soothing ingredients like colloidal oatmeal can be incredibly beneficial. 

Dermal Therapy’s Solution for Very Dry Skin

If you’re struggling with very dry skin, Dermal Therapy’s Very Dry Face Cleanser is an excellent choice to support your skin barrier while providing intense hydration and soothing benefits. Our gentle formulation, enriched with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and 1% colloidal oatmeal, ensures deep hydration, repairs the skin’s protective barrier, and soothes minor irritation. Free from soap and SLS, it effectively cleanses without stripping essential oils, leaving your skin soft, supple, and healthy.

Cleanse Impurities Away & Protect Your Skin Barrier

Understanding the importance of your skin barrier and how face cleansers can impact its health is crucial for anyone looking to maintain healthy, hydrated skin. By choosing cleansers with supportive ingredients and avoiding those that disrupt your skin’s natural balance, you can protect and enhance your skin barrier. Dermal Therapy’s range of face products provides a gentle, effective solution to nourish and repair very dry skin, ensuring your skin remains healthy, smooth, and resilient.

Learn more about choosing the right cleanser for acne-prone skin types here.

 
References

• Skin structure and function
• Cleansing without compromise: the impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild cleansing